Marx in 90 Minutes

By: Paul Strathern

Narrated by: Robert Whitfield

Karl Marx's devastating critique of capitalism, and his proposal of communism as the answer to the failings of the capitalist system, bore their greatest fruits in the twentieth century with the formation of the communist state in the Soviet Union. This great venture has now all but completely failed. Yet the force of the communist belief offered the prospect of "justice on this earth" to countless numbers. And Marx's critique has influenced generations of thinkers who call themselves Marxists.

In Marx in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Marx's life and ideas, and explains their influence on man's struggle to understand his existence in the world. The book also includes selections from Marx's work, a brief list of suggested readings for those who wish to delve deeper, and chronologies that place Marx within his own age and in the broader scheme of philosophy.

©2001 Paul Strathern (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Well-written, clear, and informed, they have a breezy wit about them. I find them hard to stop reading." (The New York Times)

Very good summery

Very good, though there was too much of the author’s voice (and opinion) in it. I already know modern thoughts on Marx. I wanted him in his time and place.

Based.

Save 100 hours reading and listen to this. People who don’t like this probably think Stalin did a good job.

The sponge as genius.

I have learned that towering historical figures are (as once I heard) like mountains. Their majesty is best appreciated from a distance. So it is with Karl Marx. Undoubted political genius. Undoubted personal slob and sponge. Marx' genius, like most, came from who knows where. But its effect on the world was massive and terrible. Would the world have been a better place without him. We can never know. But, I know how I would vote.

Marx presented by a capitalist

There are some colorful nuggets about Karl Marx the person that make this interesting. But it is a very general overview of his philosophy. The presenter is an undisguised capitalist who is certain that Marxism has been relegated to the dustbin of history. We’ll be back, Jack.

A Capitalist Reduction of Marx

This was so blatantly bias that it was hard to take it seriously at times. Not recommended for serious study. Skip it.

Great content, wish it went more into the thought process

The book was a great read--definitely worth the time. I just wish there was more about communism to understand the thought frame. However perhaps the summation is sufficient considering it's an attempt to explain it all in "90 minutes".

Ability is the missing part

To each according to their ability.. as he sat on the couch picking the boils on his penis having someone else pay his way.

In 90 Minutes Series overview

If you could sum up Nietzsche in 90 Minutes in three words, what would they be?
aka Cliff Notes

Would you recommend Nietzsche in 90 Minutes to your friends? Why or why not?
Yes - I've listened to each book in the series about a major philosopher that is available on Audible. Strathern's books don't have the analytical depth found in Will Durant's "The Story of Philosophy" books, but he does a good job summarizing each philosopher's biography, major philosophical points, and criticisms. Additionally, Strathern's breadth is broader than Durant's in that he covers a greater number of philosophers. I believe that time spent listening to these books has been well-spent.

My reviews for each book in the series about a philosopher are identical.

What about Robert Whitfield’s performance did you like?
Voice is clear, well-modulated, and easily understood, even at 1 1/2 speed.

Biography and summary of philosophical impact

Very good, incisive, brief biography.
Famous quotes
Highlights of human history

More of a biography with interpretive comments than a detailed analysis of his philosophical views.

for an overview this is pretty good

I thought too much credit was given to Marx on the few things he got right and not enough for the damages he inspired.